Energy and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed to carry out the many functions and processes that occur in the human body. Whether we are talking about healing from an injury, hair growth, hormone production, or growing another human being, it all requires ATP, or energy, which comes from macro-and micronutrients. So, it makes sense a robust prenatal like WeNatal would have benefits well beyond supporting couples on their journey to creating healthy little humans! Let’s dive into the “how” behind hair growth as an added benefit of WeNatal for Her AND WeNatal for Him.
What Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
Research suggests that deficiencies in certain micronutrients including biotin, iron, vitamin D, and zinc may contribute to hair loss.
Biotin seems to get a lot of hype when it comes to hair growth, perhaps because it’s involved in metabolic processes that keep hair and skin healthy. In a study that included women complaining of hair loss, 38% of them had biotin deficiency while 13% had optimal biotin levels. These findings suggest that while yes, biotin deficiency may contribute to hair loss, the underlying drivers of hair loss are multifactorial and may be the result of other nutrient deficiencies or factors. With all that said, biotin seems to be effective for hair loss when a deficiency is present, and if you keep reading, you may just notice this theme amongst other nutrients.
Iron deficiency may also lead to hair loss, particularly in women. A study that looked at iron status among men and women experiencing hair loss revealed lower ferritin levels particularly among premenopausal women experiencing hair loss. Although the role of iron and hair loss in men was less clear, the researchers suggest screening for iron deficiency in men with hair loss may be worthwhile. A large systematic review and meta analysis revealed a significant difference in ferritin levels between women with hair loss and healthy women, suggesting potential benefit of higher ferritin levels in women with hair loss. It’s important to note that many women of childbearing age are low or deficient in iron, and considering how important iron is during pregnancy, it’s best to get your levels checked, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss. Despite some prenatals not containing this mineral, WeNatal for Her does in order to support women during preconception and beyond.
Vitamin D levels also tend to be lower in individuals with hair loss. The role of vitamin D deficiency in hair loss may be related to this vitamin’s ability to modulate the immune system as research suggests that individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease impacting hair growth) have higher odds of vitamin D deficiency. Another study that included women with hair loss found only 38% to have normal vitamin D levels. Both WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him have robust amounts of vitamin D to support couples on their fertility journeys.
Given that zinc is an important mineral involved in metabolism, hair growth, and hair follicle cycling, it’s not surprising that low levels of zinc have been observed in individuals with hair loss. Another study showed that zinc may play a role in the development and treatment of the leading cause of hair loss in men (androgenic alopecia). To the men out there, WeNatal for Him contains scientifically backed amounts of zinc to support sperm health and testosterone production, however you may just find it supports healthy hair, too!
As you can see, vitamins and minerals are important for healthy hair, and deficiencies in certain micronutrients may result in hair loss. So much so that a report published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism recommends testing various micronutrients, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc in female hair loss.
What nutrients and vitamins do WeNatal prenatal supplements have that promote hair growth?
- Biotin – biotin is involved in keeping hair and skin healthy. Deficiency may result in hair loss. WeNatal for Her contains 200 mcg of biotin and WeNatal for Him has 30 mcg.
- Iron – lower levels of ferritin (a marker of iron storage) have been observed in women with hair loss, suggesting iron deficiency may play a role. Many women of childbearing age are low in iron, and iron is incredibly important during pregnancy, which is why 18 mg of iron is included in WeNatal for Her.
- Vitamin D – levels of vitamin D seem to be lower in individuals with hair loss as well as those with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that impacts hair growth. Considering the important role of vitamin D in overall health and fertility, WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him contain 4,000 IU and 2,000 IU of vitamin D, respectively.
- Zinc – last but not least, WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him contain zinc, a mineral that’s involved in metabolism, hair growth, and hair follicle cycling. Low levels have been observed in hair loss, and zinc may also be used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia in men.
As is often the case when it comes to anything with health, there’s usually never one single cause or solution to an imbalance, but rather an array of interconnected factors. While yes, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to hair loss, so too can stress, hormone imbalances, illness, etc. so correcting these underlying causes would also lend itself to hair growth. As you can see, prenatal vitamins may not be the only answer if you’re dealing with hair loss, however, they may certainly help if the cause is due to micronutrient deficiency. The good news is that WeNatal was designed to support both women and men on their fertility journeys, and in doing so, may help promote hair growth by supporting nutrient status and filling any nutrient gaps that exist from diet.
We’d love to know, have you experienced hair growth as an added benefit of WeNatal for Her or WeNatal for Him?
